Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Are you:
Response Total
Fulltime Faculty 82 65.6%
Adjunct Faculty 12 9.6%
Academic Support 4 3.2%
Student Support 5 4.0%
Administrative 20 16.0%
Other 2 1.6%
Total Respondents 125
What subject area(s) have you taught online? (Check all that apply)
Response Total
English 5 10.0%
Math 4 8.0%
Science 5 10.0%
Computer Science 6 12.0%
Allied Health 7 14.0%
Business 14 28.0%
Developmental 1 2.0%
Social Science 3 6.0%
Art 0 0.0%
Communication 0 0.0%
Technical 0 0.0%
Foreign languages 1 2.0%
Workforce training 1 2.0%
Other (please specify) 14 28.0%
Total Respondents 50
Does offering distance learning courses fit into Delgado's learning centered philosophy?
Response Total
Perfect fit 38 30.6%
Good fit 57 46.0%
Moderate fit 26 21.0%
Poor fit 3 2.4%
Total Respondents 124
How much emphasis do you think is placed on online classes at Delgado?
Response Total
too much 23 18.9%
just enough 60 49.2%
too little 39 32.0%
Total Respondents 122
1
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Do you feel that teaching online may be a job requirement in the future?
Response Total
Very likely 57 46.3%
Likely 31 25.2%
Maybe 24 19.5%
Unlikely 9 7.3%
Very unlikely 2 1.6%
Total Respondents 123
Have you taught a distance learning course? (Check all that apply)
Response Total
Yes online (internet) 48 39.0%
Yes compressed video 4 3.3%
Yes telecourse 7 5.7%
Yes web enhanced (partially online) 27 22.0%
No 64 52.0%
Total Respondents 123
If not are you interested in teaching a distance learning course?
Response Total
No 44 58.7%
If yes, why? (see comments) 31 41.3%
Total Respondents 75
Do you think distance learning is an effective instructional delivery method?
Response Total
Yes, for all classes 4 3.2%
Yes, for many classes 69 55.6%
Yes, for a few classes 41 33.1%
If no for any classes, why? 10 8.1%
Total Respondents 124
Has Katrina influenced your desire to teach online?
Response Total
More interested in teaching distance learning 46 40.4%
Less interested in teaching distance learning 8 7.0%
Same interest in teaching distance learning 60 52.6%
Total Respondents 114
2
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
The following questions were answered by instructors who have actually taught online.
If teaching online how effective is it compared to teaching face to face?
Response Total
A lot more effective 2 4.0%
More effective 6 12.0%
Same 22 44.0%
Less effective 17 34.0%
A lot less effective 3 6.0%
Total Respondents 50
If teaching online what was your first semester to teach online?
Response Total
Spring 2006 4 8.0%
Fall 2005 Special Session 18 36.0%
Summer 2005 1 2.0%
Spring 2005 1 2.0%
Fall 2004 4 8.0%
Summer 2004 0 0.0%
Spring 2004 4 8.0%
Before 2004 18 36.0%
Total Respondents 50
Did you teach an online course for Fall 2005 Special Session?
Response Total
Yes 34 66.7%
No 17 33.3%
Total Respondents 51
Are you teaching an online course during this Spring 2006 semester?
Response Total
Yes 41 78.8%
No 11 21.2%
Total Respondents 52
Response Total
Yes 16 30.8%
No 36 69.2%
Total Respondents 52
3
In your opinion does distance learning provide more interaction between the instructor and students
than the traditional classroom setting?
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Response Total
Yes 15 28.8%
No 37 71.2%
Total Respondents 52
Response Total
Yes, a lot more 35 64.8%
Yes, some 16 29.6%
No, little or no more effort 3 5.6%
Total Respondents 54
Response Total
1 3 hours 5 10.2%
4 7 hours 16 32.7%
8 10 hours 15 30.6%
11 13 hours 5 10.2%
more than 13 hours 8 16.3%
Total Respondents 49
Response Total
1 3 hours 19 38.8%
4 7 hours 21 42.9%
8 10 hours 2 4.1%
11 13 hours 1 2.0%
more than 13 hours 6 12.2%
Total Respondents 49
Do you feel that you have been offered adequate training to teach online?
Response Total
More than adequate 17 32.1%
Adequate 25 47.2%
Inadequate 9 17.0%
Very inadequate 2 3.8%
Total Respondents 53
4
In your opinion does distance learning provide more student to student interaction than the traditional
classroom setting?
In your opinion do you think that it takes more effort to teach a class online than in a traditional
classroom setting?
Approximately how much time do you spend online per week for each online class taught? Do not
include time for course development.
Approximately how much time do you spend online per week interacting with students for each on
line class taught?
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Sufficient time to develop and maintain course
3.46
Technical Support 3.12
Administrative Support 3.06
Sufficient time to interact with students 3.20
Technical training 2.94
Student familiarity with computers 3.38
Equipment problems 3.15
Academic honesty 3.23
Necessary equipment available in faculty offices 2.96
Student access to computers 3.14
Student assessment/grading 2.96
Intellectual property rights 2.94
Total Respondents 52
5
Please rate your concern about the following areas on a scale of 4 to 1. 4 = major concern 3 = minor
concern 2 = little concern 1 = no concern
1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00
Sufficient time to develop and maintain course material
Technical Support
Administrative Support
Sufficient time to interact with students
Technical training
Student familiarity with computers
Equipment problems
Academic honesty
Necessary equipment available in faculty offices
Student access to computers
Student assessment/grading
Intellectual property rights
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Do you think that too many students are allowed to enroll in online course sections?
Response Total
Yes 18 36.0%
No 32 64.0%
Total Respondents 50
What should be the maximum number of students allowed in online course sections?
Response Total
10 2 3.8%
15 13 25.0%
20 22 42.3%
25 11 21.2%
30 4 7.7%
more than 30 0 0.0%
Total Respondents 52
Do you think that Delgado has adequate resources to support online courses?
Response Total
More than adequate 2 3.9%
Adequate 32 62.7%
Less than adequate 15 29.4%
Inadequate 2 3.9%
Total Respondents 51
Response Total
Fairly computer literate 49 94.2%
Selfdisciplined 52 100.0%
Organized 45 86.5%
Good study habits 44 84.6%
Possess at least a 2.5 gpa 21 40.4%
Other (please specify) 13 25.0%
Total Respondents 52
6
What qualities do you believe a student must possess in order to be successful in an online course?
(Check all that apply)
Faculty/Staff Survey on Distance Learning
Spring 2006
Total Respondents: 125
Course development training 3.15
Tegrity training 3.18
Blackboard training classes provided by Delgado 4.18
Ability to offer technical support 24/7 2.63
Online library resources 3.07
College website 2.98
System availability 3.29
Institutional confidence 3.21
Online academic advising 2.31
Online tutorials 3.20
Resources available 3.30
Total Respondents 51
7
In an effort to evaluate Delgado's ability to take on an increase in demand for Distance Learning
courses please rate the following. 5 = excellent 4 = good 3 = adequate 2 = poor 1 = very poor
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Course development training
Tegrity training
Blackboard training classes provided by Delgado
Ability to offer technical support 24/7
Online library resources
College website
System availability
Institutional confidence
Online academic advising
Online tutorials
Resources available
If you are not teaching a distance learning course, are you interested?
I taught a telecourse class for several years and enjoyed it. I would enjoy doing it again.
I am always insterested in teaching an online course.
only under emergency situation or other special condition
so that I can have the experience as a frame of reference
this will fit my personal schedule
I have done it before.
Could acccess more nontraditional students a
Teaching online is a good method to reach more students. At this time, online teaching at DELGADO
should be seen as strategy for enrolment increase.
I want the experience and I think it will help with my conventional classes as well.
to learn the process to be part of the cyber scholastic world for international opportunity
It allows students who work and cannot come to class attend college.
good experience
I would be most interested in teaching a hybrid type course.
It allows us to draw students from other areas that may not otherwise have access to the type of courses
that we teach.
More flexible in schedule
New Challenge
Since the future will highly demand distant learning, I know it is critical to start this process now.
Part of the future..
To increase the possible student base for the classes thatI teach.
Because I'm a CMIN instructor and it's a natural fit for CMIN major students.
Because it is a means of reaching more students and helping them get an education.
The challenge of teaching in a different media.
It's a useful skill postKatrina.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Gain experience and knowledge through today's technology, and be able to do a comparison/contrast
between distance learning and classroom technique.
It will aid in the students computer/blackboard knowledge.
I think students could benefit from what I could offer online.
hire faculty with online experience. I enjoy learning and teaching online offers a new learning opportuni
t
for me as a teacher as well as a way to stay current in the profession.
It might be an effective method not sure
To try out an allwriting teaching style. To vary the work schedule and venue. Personally, to broaden m
y
experience and marketability.
I was pleasantly suprised to find that my students were able to learn as efficiently as in the classroom
8
Please comment on how you feel Katrina has influenced your attitude towards distance learning.
Required thinking out of the box and developing different strategies to interact with students
The hurricanes emphasized a need to provide more alternative learning methods for students. Especially
those persons who were misplaced but who wanted to continue at Delgado, there was a need to develop
a process whereby these students could continue at Delgado.
Hurricane Katrina gave us the opportunity to see how vital online courses are to the students. Many
students who would have never taken online classes was force to take the classes so that they can
graduate or contine with their studies. The students who were opposed to online classes preKatrina,
are now appreciative of this method of instructions.
Distance learning has provided learning opportunity for students who can not attend class physically
under an emergency situation
it has been an important resource to keep our students in our community
Certainly we now have some students who probably would do better with human interaction in the
classroom now taking online courses. These students, whose strong points are not selfdiscipline,
reading and technology, are struggling to complete difficult online courses along with way too many
other obligations.
more open to its necessity
I've been teaching online long before Katrina and I've always felt that it was a good thing but have felt
that the school as a whole does not have a clear idea about what they want online education to be.
There have never been any clear guidelines from administration. I think this is imperative so the policies
and procedures are the same for all online class (like attendance, participation, when to drop a student,
how much time is too much when not hearing from them, etc). I think cohesive policies in all online
courses would make it easier on the students.
I realized how important this option was
Many students and faculty have had to make major adjustments because of housing. Being able to do
school work on your own schedule certainly helps with all of our new "adjustments"
In some cases it has opened the door. But in others that include some hands on experience I don't believ
e
it has worked so well. , ie. Pharmacology.
It has only supported my ideas about distance learning.
I have made peace with my admittedly outdated ideas on proper delivery methods.
Positively effected learning. Was one method to reach students in multiple locations.
It forced me to be more patient with students.
9
I think the mobility and having important work backed up to more than one location just makes good
sense. We have to live for the times we are in!
awakening, has its place, has its glitches Difficult to imagine embarking on such a new course as our
campus support and resources decline most steadily during the techno upramp of faculty
Katrina catapulted me into offering online classes. I felt that it was extremely important to keep my
students on schedule for graduation. By jumping into Blackboard headfirst and all at once, I realized that
this was something I could continue to use as an asjunct to my traditional classrooom methods (hybrid).
Katrina served as an impetus for initiating a greater number of online courss; however, it did not chang
e
my attitude about online courses. There is definitely a place for online courses at Delgado.
It forced me to use blackboard more and see its value.
It has not influenced my attitude, I am still in favor of some courses being online. It has shown the need
for more courses at Delgado being on line.
For once, Delgado seems to be offering true online classes and not just its version of online.
It has shown that distance learning is a viable option for many classes. However, I was a member of an
organization that was on the forefront of distance learning ten years ago.
Distance Learning has allowed displaced students continued career development.
Distance learning has been a life saver to me after Katrina. I have been pursuing a Masters degree before
during and after Katrina. I'd have never been able to continue if distance learning were not an option.
The need for distance ed has been looming for a while. I think Katrina has just accelerated the inevitable.
Additionally, I believe that distance learning is more than just teaching online. It should incoroprate new
creative approaches that engage our students.
In our postKatrina academic world, distance learning was the only effective method of maintaining our
relationship with our enrolled students. It also gave us the opportunity to tap into a market of other
students who may not have considered Delgado.
I consider it to now be a very important teaching method.
I had a positive attitude before Katrina, and it has been confirmed that this is the right direction we
should be persuing.
Distance learning both as a stand alone course and as a suplement to the face to face classroom has been
critical for our students who must work additional shifts, can not return to the city, or who need help in
addition to the classroom setting.
10
No real change in attitude. It is a great way for students who are unable to get to campus to continue
their education. However, many Delgado students need the inclass experience and the personal touch to
succeed. That is one reason why so many of our students have been successful.
imperative that it is looked at closely to ensure that the quality of education is not affected by ethical
issues that may evolve.
Now it is necessary. However, generally the majority of the DCC students are not self motivated
enought.
I have always believed that distance learning was an important part of the modern educational system,
but I think a lot more of our students at Delgado are finding themselves faced with the circumstance of
using distance learning or not to continue their education. Distance learning is a good way of bridging
the gap between those students who are displaced and want to return home evetually. We can give those
students a familiar place to go to everyday, and familiarity when living displaced is very important.
Distance learning has allowed DCC to maintain a student enrollment higher than if we did not offer it
Katrina has scattered the student to far and near places. For the student that has relocated to other cities
or states, it has provided a means to complete their degree program.
Even
before Katrina, I felt distance learning was a necessary direction for all colleges and universities.
do not feel that Delgado is ready at this time to move forward on a large with this type of learning
environment. Our buildings are old. Appropriate and adequate equipment and support services for this
type of endeavor are lacking.
Katrina forced the math department into online classes that we probably would not have tried for some
time. In some cases that was good, in others bad.
Katrina has definitely impacted my thoughts and attitude towards distance learning. It has highlighted
distance learning as an alternative teaching tool that can positively work to assist a variety of student
accomplish their learning goals on a regular basis.
Distance learning proved helpful in the situation of Katrina. Generally, I would prefer to see students in
a
facetoface situation.
Given the displacement of population, online courses have become a necessity. However, the attrition
rate and other factors suggest that they are not, overall, a good idea for most of our students. Many if
not most of our students need the brick and mortar contact, while somethose that are self motivated
and self disciplinedcan do just as well in many gen ed online courses (and entry level discipline
courses). Selective enrollment, a tightened screening process, for online courses should be considered.
Greatly enhanced my attitude. I feel we can reach many more students using this medium.
11
I understand that we are trying to help our displaced students, but I believe a traditional classroom is the
best.
Students need to have access to education when things such as Hurricane Katrina happen. Distance
learning allows that to happen.
I have not changed my attitude towards distance learning. To be perfectly honest with you I have not
given much thought.
As a result of Katrina, I realized that distance learning made it possible for students to continue their
education no matter of location. If I were a student, this would have given me a sense of security.
Isn't it obvious. We have students who cannot get to campus
Realize the importance of it especially in different circumstances. Able to reach many students who
would have difficulty attending regularly scheduled classes.
Katrina has placed too much emphasis on distance learning and not enough emphasis on what it takes to
put a college back together.
I was all for distance learning before Katrina; however, since Katrina the impact to me is that if we want
to keep our students and gains others, we must offer more online classes with clear structure.
It has become a necessity.
It has not changed my view at all. Distance learning does not work for all subjects and therefore should
not be pushed so much.
I feel that since Hurricane Katrina,students are already stressed enough especially in our
courses(compressed courses at the school of nursing downtown). I feel that the students would not
benefit from an online program at this time. Nursing lectures are long and require much reading and
preparation. I do not believe that the nursing students are disciplined enough to keep up with all of the
course requirements and can benefit from an on line nursing theory course.
the Delgado offerings, since many of our students are still spread all over the country. I have taught
several courses online this semester, and am impressed with the amount of critical thinking and
motivation displayed by my online students.
It has certainly indicated the need...
Katrina forced the need for online students to accomodate our students and many instructors. Without
this precipitous event distance learning would have inched inot our curriculum. Now, it is entrenched as
a mode of instruction.
Distance learning has provided a needed service. Some academic areas do not fit into the distance
learning classroom. A methods class for elementary teachers ,for instance, is better taught with personal
contact. It has however,met our emergency needs.
Made me aware of just how much can be achieved with distance learning. Have a bigger appreciation fo
r
it now after having done it for the special 05 semester.
12
I feel like I have retained displaced students who would otherwise have abandoned their degree
programs.
I do not believe Katrina has influenced my attituse toward distance learning, but I believe it has affected
Delgado's. There are many people interested in taking college level courses that do not fit into the 'mold'
of the traditional student. I believe that expanding the number of distance learning options will benefit
Delgado by gaining students who may not have come previously.
No change
some data on how successful students feel these courses are. I have always been very proud of the
excellent teaching at this college. I have seen many socalled average students excel here because of the
personal guidance and attention given by our faculty. That is what we do best. I don't think the online
population is that different from what I have in the classroom and believe me these students need a more
personal touch.
Online gives the student the opportunity to continue their education, wherever they reside.
It has soured me. I am spending every day including Sat and Sun trying to keep over 100 students
functioning up the my onsite classroom standards. Therefore I have NO life and I ended up in the ER
suffering from exhaustion which I always thought was a wimpy madeup condition until I could not
function from reading so many assignments day after day.
My attitude changed when the need for distance learning increased postKatrina. The need was always
present, but never to the extent it exists now with the numbers of displaced students still engaged in the
learning process.
Being a former online student, I already had a positive attitude towards distance learning. I had not
taught an online course until the Fall 2005 special semester. The ability of Delgado to reach out to our
student's through distance learning was an essential part of the success of the Spring semester. Student's
lives have changed dramatically, and will continue to change for a long time. The more flexible Delgado
can be with delivery of instruction, the more students we can reach and retain.
It's a must now. Besides, it's been here. Delgado just needs to get on with it.
Sound economic practice; not a good educational one.
As a graduate student, I was introduced to distance learning early on. PostKatrina, I'm more
appreciative of distance learning courses but I prefer face to face and live interaction.
I am probably less enthusiastic about distance learning because I feel more comfortable with face to face
teaching and would feel that I would be missing some feedback from students in an online course. On th
e
other hand I am committed to helping students learn and if this benefits more students then I want to
learn to use this instructional method well.
IT PROVIDED THE STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN CREDITS WHILE THE
COLLEGE WAS NOT FULLY OPERATIONAL.
13
I did see the students who called us in Baton Rouge anxious to continue their education in any way
possible. I also saw that some were not suited for it nor dis some have the technology needed. They used
poor judgment in taking the course. There must be an assessment tool offered to students to self assess
their ability to learn via distance.
Highly positive. The student enrollment would have dropped significantly wothout distance learning.
Distance learning could our students together despite Katrina. Students could continue education,
despite the hardship they were going through
It totally changed how education could be effectively delievered in a disaster.
It obviously showed the advantages of having this type of instruction available to our students.
It is a good thing that we developed the online courses even though the administration never supported
them.
I think that Hurricane Katrina has changed many things. For the librarians it has changed how we
provide academic support and resources. Due to the hurricane we are using BlackBoard not only for
distance learning but for onsite students as well. The hurricane did not really influence my attitude
toward distance learning but it did force us to hurriedly incorporate library information and resources
into a distance learning medium in order to support the academic currulum in a satisfactory fashion.
Since I taught one of the first online classes here at Delgado and have been a proponent of online
education, I feel that Katrina has emphasized the need of this alternative method of delivery and how
vital it is to our continuing to take our place as a leader in education
It has aided many students for additional credit where they would not have been able to attend in person,
therefore, there are some positive influences distance learning has provided during the aftermath of the
storm.
It met a basic need for those who were displaced and had computer / classroom acess
Although I can't say that Katrina has influenced my attitude specifically, it has highlighted the need for
distance learning.
I think we have lost our focus on what is appropriate for our students in an effort to capture student
numbers. I think the concept of teaching developmental reading as an online course is absurd.
It has become a vital component of all academic work. One can stay in touch with the students no matte
r
what the physical envornment is around the school
I was "forced" to learn the basics of online teaching. I wish I had been given the opportunity to learn
more of the basics before bringing it to the students. I beleive that my effectiveness as an instructor was
hampered by the compressed time frame of Katrina and online courses. Just wish there was more training
available that I could attend.
I have always favored Distance Learning.
14
It as accelerated and underlined the need for offering this mode of instructional delivery.
I think distance learning is a good thing especially given this catastrophe.
It pushed many of our faculty to jump into distance learning
It is important to meet the needs of our students
Katrina has influenced education in so many ways. With disasters like Katrina and Rita, distance learning
was the only true way to bring back the vitality of many institutions.
Katrina has made it more obvious that we need expanded distance learning opportunities at the College.
I have been teaching online classes with blackboard and tegrity since I started here Spring 2004. I use
Blackboard and the internet for every class I teach. Katrina did not have any influence on my attitude
towards distance learning. I was able to teach 3 of my classes online during the fall 2005.
a way to educate some of these students. Some courses, such as many of the remedial courses, do not
lend themselves to an online format. We should look at the success rate in these courses to determine
our future direction.
While I have always appreciated distance learning and the benefits for students, I have come to realize
how necessary it is for the continued success of students and the development of the college.
It brought about a hightoned awareness.
I can say that from what I have heard from students and faculty, the ability to keep the semester going in
the aftermath was quite powerful to all involved.
15
Please elaborate on your answers for the previous two questions?
In your opinion, does distance learning provide more interaction between the instructor and
students than the traditional classroom setting?
In your opinion, does distance learning provide more student to student interaction than the
traditional classroom setting?
St
udents are more likely to ask for instructions in the online class than in the classroom. I feel that
students in online classes are pressed to get it right the first time. So they will contact the instructor for
clarity. Student to students interaction, does not take place unless I, the instructor, initiate it and a grade
is given for student to student interaction.
there are some things that are not transferred online.
Only selfstarters who are comfortable with computers and are already disciplined students seem to do
well online.
After having taught online for over 3 years, I have come to the conclusion that it is less effective than a
traditional classroom. I realize that it is the future of teaching, but I have grown wistful for the
classroom. It is difficult to get students involved in the online atmosphere. I depend heavily on the
discussion board, but students do not seem to care regardless of how I weigh their participation. In a
traditional classroom I can breathe down a student's neck. I can't do this in an online class. Yes, I can
send emails and the like, but I find that much too often the students do not read their email, certainly a
downfall in this type of learning environment, but the truth.
The method has a distinct delivery method.
This question is hard to answer since the teacher does not know the level of interaction among students
at distance.
I prefer the hybrid approach, where we meet for class, but supplement the class with online resources
and communication. I think this incorporates the best of both.
It forces students to ask for help usually re BB problems.
My online classes are Handson and most of my students work independently. However, it does give the
students an opportunity to communicate with one another about any problems encountered.
Concretly,the field of education requires direct teaching and student learning. Demonstration and
exhibition requires a large percentage of face to face.
Depending on the work load of the instructor, she or he may not be able to execute planned chat
sessions to benefit the schedules of all students. However archining these chat sessions and uploading
reference links to address any possible problems or questions the students may have is an excellent
interaction tool. Setting up communication capabilities between students in the class goes a long way in
offering them help from those experiencing the same things. There's commonality.
The student, when encouraged, will correspond on a frequent basis about the assignments, etc. I am
always corresponding by email and phone with my students.
16
In the classroom the students and instructor interact everytime they meet face to face. Online students
rarely interact with the instructor or each other unless there is an assignment or problem.
Students are not asking questions concerning the course material. Very little, if any interaction.
To both questions 15 & 16, I wanted to answer, "sometimes" instead of just yes or no. I find that I
interact with some students more in an online classroom because they are more likely to ask questions in
a more anonymous setting, although I have taught classes where students have a constant struggle and
refuse to ask for help. I try to eliminate as many problems as I can for students, but not asking questions
has been a problem in the past. Also, in some instances, I think that having an online classroom was
providing more interaction between students. I always give participation grades so that students have to
interact with me as well as the rest of the class. I find that some students that would be more likely to sit
in the back of the class and not voice their opinions are typing away in the discussion board to other
students. Also, the student to student interaction tends to be more focused on the topics at hand instead
of conversations based on how their weekend was, etc. Overall, I think there are some positives and
negatives to online classrooms, but the longer I teach online classes, the more creative ways I find to eli
m
The student needs to be dedicated to the course that they have enrolled in. By this I mean that if the
student procrastinates, the student will not complete the course satisfactorily. The student has to read the
text book, understand what they have read and complete all homework assignments without a lot of
help. With an inclass course the student has physical contact with the instructor on a regular basis. I
realize that the student can email or contact the instructor via the telephone. I have found that most of
the students do not want to contact the instructor until they are so confused that it takes the instructor a
long time to get the student back on track.
Distance learning in no way creates a social environment for shared learning and activies. Social
constructs are just about impossible to form and peer interaction is just about impossible.
The interaction is decreased. There is no way to have the same interaction as you would when meeting
face to face. Emails and discussion boards cannot replace the communication you get in a classroom.
Distance learning offers very little incentive for true connections to be made between the instructor
and/or other students.
The interaction in an onlinve environment is necessary to the existance of the class. If there is no
discussion on the message board, there is no attendance. Therefore, every student participates! It is
amazing how well students are able to express themselves when they are sitting quietly in front of a
computer and do not have the stress of speaking in front of the class. It is much less intimidating.
faces to faces will always be more efficient etc. The smiles , the attitude , the look , spontinaity sp are
just not there however you can teach on line and it will improve...its going to get better...
17
We have an excellent software package for teaching math online. However, when students do not
understand the material it is difficult to convey alternative explanations in real time.
Student must interact with instructor much more than in a classroom environment. But in distance
learning the students that communicate with you the most are usually the ones that would be just as
communicative, or more so, in the traditional classroom environment
I have long had problems with students not reading the text. Since both of my courses require
discussion, this indifference to the material limits inclass discussion in traditional classes. Online I have
created text based assignments that require the students to read and process the material. I use more
papers and short projects. My current teaching style uses less peer to peer interaction but I want to
increase that in the future.
The course can offer less interaction in both dynamics; but if properly executed, could actually increase
interaction. Availablitity to instructor by email or chat room, appointments, and even optional class
meetings (1 3 during the semester) could enhance the student's experience. For student to student, chat
room and discussion options can be a benefit.
Hybrid classes are the most effective
It is up to the instructor to encourage discussion groups. Otherwise, students irregularly check the on
line sites for announcements.
15. I answered "Yes", but it is only the case with certain students. Some students are constantly in touch
with me, and others I never hear from except for required communication and assignments. 16. I think
you have to build the interaction into your course through group projects and discussion board forums.
It keeps them alert on a daily basis to read announcements. It is easy to email to all atudents at one time
to keep abreast with studies probems, solutions. Discussion BOards, force every student to participate in
discussion. Grading the discussion is one mthod of forcing them to discuss topics. They can share ideas
with each other through discussion board. Participation in reading posted lectures can be tracked and it
is a good way to check their attendance
Students become much more verbal when communicating electronically. Perhaps it is because they feel
less nervous or shy when they are talking through a keyboard.
the opportunity is provided but has to be required for students to participate.
I have more interaction with my online students simply because I must interact on an individual basis in
grading, correcting assignments, announcing various projects, etc. Student to student interaction
depends on the extent the instruction sets the class to promote this interaction. Discussion boards and
chats and use of email can promote more interaction than some classrooms.
Students feel more comfortable asking the "difficult" question
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Distance learning is impersonal and does not readily allow the free exchange of ideas or random thought
to be generated. While many of these may deviate from the actual lesson I feel that they enhance the tota
education experience. I am not as comfortable engaging in or participating in a student to teacher or
student to student discussion online.
They are poorly worded questions. They offer more opportunity for both but much is dependent on the
instructor and their knowledge of how to effectively teach online.
Teaching online is like doing a private tutorial because in my classes there is a lot of emphasis on th
e
discussion board. Not only are they constantly interacting with me but also with each othermuch more
than the classroom setting where only a few students interact, and almost all of it is directed to the
teacher, rather than each other.
I feel that some students still require the facetoface interaction with the instructor. Distance learning is
not for every student, and in my opinion, some students need to have their peers as well as professors in
order to be successful.
It all depends on the students. For the special session, students were always emailing me and each othe
r
For this semester, they do not want to interact with me or the other students.
If discussion board is used in distance learning classes it can involve students that would not normally
speak or participate in class with the teacher or other students.
Many of the students in the distance learning courses are not as likely to ask questions about
assignments. Also, there is not the everyday conversation that can exist between student and instructor.
As for student to student interaction, I have one class that has a great deal of student interaction. They
email and talk to each other. They discuss assignments. Most of the students have taken distance
learning courses and are familiar with the experience, so they appear to feel comfortable interacting with
each.
I am an instructor who has constant interaction with students. Teaching online gave me documented
interaction between students something that is hard to do in the spur of the moment in the classroom.
Also, I felt my students opened more of themselves up in writing than they tended to do in the
classroom. They had to "explain" their background, ethnicity, socio economic status, et al in their own
terms. It was empowering.
Interaction between students and between students and faculty is dependent on *student initiative*
which is sometimes lacking in online courses.
In the classroom students talk about various topics that are not tied directly to the class, such as student
affair issues (financial aid, the library) that are not discussed in online classes. The students in my
classroom courses often spend 23 minutes after class talking together, exchanging notes. This does not
occur in my online courses.
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Please elaborate on your answer for the previous question?
In your opinion, do you think that it takes more effort to teach a class online than in a traditional
classroom setting?
Well in a classroom setting you are literally lecturing the subject matter and you speak to the student durin
g
instructional delivery. It is easier to give out instructions orally because you are there in person to answer
questions which it help other students to understand what was delivered. On the other hand, in online classes al
lectures and instructions are typewritten by the instructor which takes ample time. When students don't
understand the instructions in online, you are answering the same questions several times. Because students wil
ask the question individually. I know there are ways to put the question on blackboard, but student taking on
line class want their question answered personally not as a class. So therefore, delivering instructions through
Everything one might say to a studentsay a hundred or more times before they get ithas to be written in
repeated emails. If the student does not read the assignment they will email to ask about the assignment and the
assignment has to be repeated, in writing, by email. Not to mention the students who submit papers 20 plus
times just to make sure that you got it (all of which requires time and multiple steps to open), and the ones who
email to ask if you got their paper; they expect an instant grade because they think of the computer as instant
gratification. Many students are not computer savvy, and are not good enough at writing to clarify their
problems through email. They also do not read the directions or assignments. So, hours are spent in trying to get
Johnny to save as an rtf file or to push the correct button to read the assignment.
The time spent online is daunting. I find myself spending probably twice the amount of time on an online class
as compared to a tradtional class. First, just the technology adds a lot of time, uploading assignments,
downloading papers, reuploading them after being graded, this is all before any actual feedback or
communication begins. Grading papers online takes a lot more time for some reason (but I'm not really sure
why). Also, the discussion board if it is going well can add quite a few extra hours each week. This isn't always
the case, but I've classes in whichone discussion board forum has had over 100 entries. As the instructor, I have
to respond to most of these, This is time consuming. Also, creating the material adds a lot of time, powerpoints,
lecture presentations and the like all add many hours to each class.
Preparation time can be burdensome.
The teacher is forced to think and plan ahead of time.
Once the class is set up, it is about the same. Some instructors go overboard in conversing with students. I only
teach a WEB enhanced class.
Online students want instant feedback. Working with online students takes a lot of time, patience, and a lot of
tech support. Some online students do not have the hardware or software necessary for online classes. Some
students in online classes want oneonone attention and should be in a traditional classroom setting.
Basically, preparation and individualization that are required online.
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If you are to be effective as an online instructor, you must plan your class site very well. You should create an
organized method of receiving assignments with well thought out deadlines. You should plan to have frequent
quizzes. You should provide outside links that will assist students in the particular subject area. You need to be
aware of all possible problems with an exercise and be able to explain in TEXT possible solutions. You must
open and evaluate ALL assignments submitted and comments on each one so the student can have immediate
feedback and reassurance that he/she is obtaining the assignment objectives. To keep the course exciting, as an
instructor is forces you to stay on the cutting edge of technology and try to revamp your site continually.
Because there is a greater need to address individuals, it will take more time to do this. In the classroom, most
all communication is done to a collective group at one time.
Online students need immediate feedback which requires communication to the students on at least a daily bas
i
including weekends. When students have a problem the same answer may have to be given many times. Because
of the lack of direct contact, it is necessary to answer the question every time it comes up even if the question is
already posted and answered on the Blackboard site.
Lots of preparation and typing takes too much time. It is always easier to teach face to face so you can see the
students' reaction to instruction.
Online classes are quite tedious sometimes. I find that I spend quite a lot of time on the computer all week long
when I teach an online class. I am constantly checking on participation, emailing students to keep them on their
toes regarding assignments, and trying to keep students interested. Along with the everyday maintenance of the
course site, teaching an online class involves a lot of preparation. Some instructors may be able to walk into a
classroom and give a lecture on the fly, but in an online class, everything has to be prepared early. Also, as
instructors we want to set a good example for students, so all of our lecture notes, etc. need to be looked over
to make sure there are no errors or short hand methods so that the students have no problem understanding the
information presented. There are always new problems that I face every semester when teaching an online
course, problems that seem not to occur as much in a traditional classroom.
Initially it takes a lot of time to set up the blackboard course. It may take several semesters to get the
blackboard site set up to be effective. Then when the blackboard site is effective, the instructor only needs to
perform maintenance which does not require a lot of time.
Students feel a sense of 24/7 attitude toward instructor time. Learning the software and the discupline in the
new format is extremely time consuming and the need to check email is constant.
As an instructor you need to be able to convert your lessons into an online mode and anticipate problems and
questions that students will have. Each student being different will get different things from the online lesson. T
o
be consistent in meeting the objectives, the lessons must be very carefully presented and explained.
Every communication is typed, and an instructor must often repeat the same thing 25 times in emails, although
try to answer many general questions via a mass mailing or the announcements board. The discussion board is
the main method of participation, and it is necessary for an instructor read and respond to all of the students'
responses.
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I feel I have to be more precise because I am not there to fill in the gaps as they come up...I find myself having
to stress leading the student through thought processes...having to explain precisely or I will use them...they just
are not going to ask what is needed and I am not there to see their faces and feel what is up..
Creation of multiple assignments, homeworks, quizzes and tests to make sure all material is covered Creation
of notes to accompany instruction Answering questions many times instead of once in a classroom Not being
able to grade an assignment for all students at one time b/c they take it at different times If multiple takes are
allowed this increases the grading time Etc., etc., etc.,
It takes a lot less effort to teach a class online. There are many obstacles in the traditional classroom
environment: dealing with attendance/absences/makeup work; dealing with tardiness; physically being on your
feet much more; missed assignments deadlines; missed tests.
Many of the problems stem from keeping track of numerous emails (problems and excuses among them) from
alternate addresses and remembering which students are not keeping up with the class. Since I use papers, when
a student is doing very poorly on their work, it takes a great deal of time and (tact) to discuss the work. There
are also problems with links failing and other electronic difficulties.
Extra time should be spent developing material to provide more clarifcation and explanations of points by way
of student communication should take more time. While it may be a convenience to not be in the classroom, a
minimum of the same effort that comes in face to face contact to insure effective delivery and understanding of
the course material.
Much more preperation and effort needed to create and provide a viable learning environment
Again, the instructor needs to take additional time to involve the students in the class.
Since the primary form of communication in an online class is written communication, it takes more time to do
everything. For example: Any general communication that would be accomplished through an announcement in
the classroom has to be formally posted or emailed to everyone in the class.
The teachers can add variety of topics through powerpoint and make it appealing. Teachers invent ways to mak
e
it more attractive through visual effects and adding animation
The entire semester needs to be planned in advance and the teacher has to be more creative to keep the student's
interest by using all of the features of the delivery system along with incorporating them logically within the
course.
you have to be sure the students are getting the material, being creative sometimes with reinforcement of
material or assessment of learning. You have to say things more than once, repeat postings, and email students
personally to get them involved, sometimes.
Planning is essential. The class needs to be well structured for the semesterlecture material needs to be posted.
It takes more time to open documents and post grades. Questions may have to be answered individually instead
of addressing a class. Students interact individually more with the online instructor.
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more initial preparation to learn the online software/ hardware
I feel as though I am being looked at very carefully, almost under a microscope when woring online. In a
classroom situation mistakes are easier to recover from, online the mistake may be out there for a while before it
is brougt to your attention and that makes me unconfortable.
It takes a great deal of more effort to teach online effectively. You must prepare EXTENSIVELY to put
together a good online course site. It usually takes me 1015 hours to prepare 1 week's worth of online work for
my students. There's no "winging" it. In general, I spend much of my summer preparing my course sites for the
fall. Also, you must be prepared to work with each student individually. In a classroom, if a student asks a
question, you answer in front of the whole class and they hear the answer. If a student emails you a question,
only they get the answer so you may find yourself answering the same question 20x.
If the professor is doing it right, it takes a lot more time to teach because you are constantly dealing with studen
t
questions/discussions and also preparing powerpoints, writing up what you would emphasis in the classroom
setting and building the site itself.
You are always on the computer communicating with your students. You have to put in the time to be out there,
so the students can feel that they are not alone. You have to be a facilitator as well as an instructor for them.
The online class should be a mirrorimage of your classroom setting, and sometimes it is more.
Just like the students, you are not bound to traditonal hours. Also you can't depend on the inflection of your
voice or hand gestures to help to get your message acrosss.
In a traditional classroom you are with the students at the scheduled time, for online classes the students are
emailing you day, night, and weekends. I find I prepare more the online class than for the traditional class since
am not seeing them face to face.
I have to make sure links are working and assignments are very exact in language, since most of the class is
based on the written word and not the spoken word. Also, email communication with students take time, and
distance learning teaching can occur 247.
I ended up working far more with my fifty students writing papers every week, than I expected. Also turning
assignments or group activities into learning via online and at a distance was difficult. See: carpal tunnel
Faculty must be available at all times for online courses, must post information often, must respond/reply
promptly to students, and must post and grade assignments promptly.
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For the first run of an online course, you spend much more time developing the course than a traditional
classroom. Designing a test takes time no matter the presentation. However, it takes an additional 12 hours
downloading the test into Blackboard. Also, typing lecture notes, announcements, discussion forums takes
longer than saying them in class. Another area where it takes more effort is responding to student's questions. In
a traditional classroom my students often talk with me before or after class or during my office hours. In my
online courses I receive and respond to emails at all times of the day (primarily between 8 pm and midnight,
when my students are mostly online). On test days I have to check my online courses regularly all evening until
the deadline of the test (often midnight) in case a student is booted from the system before completing the test.
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Do you think distance learning is an effective instructional delivery method?
monotone, ongoing, not an avent of excitement
Some classes need a more handson approach, such as remedial classes, especially in English
composition.
Some classes are OK, but I do not like it with math.
It undermines the "raison d'etre" of the American College Classroom Experience.
Can be done for all classes but not for all students...
When you say distance learning are you referring only to online courses or are you including courses
televised from one campus to the other? There are very few of the students that I teach that can learn in
an online situation.
Need personal contact with students
Some subject matter cannot be adequately explained unless there is personal contact.
Not for any math class. Math is a stepbystep, and needs face to face immediate answer instruction.
In Allied Health some classes are too technical for online learning.
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